Mel Kiper Jr. Goes Defense, Offense For Bengals in Two-Round Mock Draft

Cincinnati is quickly approaching the 2024 NFL Draft.
Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy (DL18) works out during
Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy (DL18) works out during / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

CINCINNATI —  ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. released his latest mock draft looking at the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft and has the Bengals taking Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II at Pick 18.

Murphy is the consensus best defensive tackle in the draft and the 17th-best player overall.

"As of now, I'm assuming the Bengals are keeping wideout Tee Higgins, who was franchise-tagged but requested a trade last month," Kiper wrote this week. "If they plan to give Higgins an extension, they could instead to look toward a defense that ranked last in the league in both yards per play allowed (6.0) and yards per pass attempt allowed (8.1) last season.

"Murphy led the Big 12 with 33 QB pressures last season, which is even more impressive when you consider he played nearly all of his snaps along the interior. He has a lightning-quick get-off at the snap. He's the best 3-technique tackle in this class."

Next Kiper slotted Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson to Cincinnati at Pick 49.

"Here's a spot for Cincinnati to snag a No. 3 wideout," Kiper wrote. "Wilson moved up in my rankings after he ran a 4.39-second 40 at the combine; he ran away from defenders on crossers on tape, but I wasn't totally sure how he'd test. He had 12 touchdowns last season. He can be a movable playmaker in Zac Taylor's offense."

Wilson is the consensus 11th-best wide receiver and 48th-best player overall.

Make sure you bookmark Bengals Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more! For more on the Bengals, subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

You May Also Like:

Cincinnati Bengals Prioritize Trenches in Mock Draft 2.0

Watch: Orlando Brown Jr. Tries Some New Jobs Around Bengals Facility

Potential Cincinnati Bengals Draft Target T'Vondre Sweat Arrested

Major Outlet Names Ohio State Player As Bengals Need-Filling Option Outside First Round

Look: Updated Offensive Line Consensus Board Ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

Bengals Draft Top Defensive Tackle in Coaching Intel Mock Draft

Look: Bengals Come Away With Underwhelming Haul in Latest Mock Draft

Kansas City Chiefs Signing Former No. 2 Overall Pick to Backup Patrick Mahomes

Look: Cincinnati Bengals Hosting Multiple Prospects for Visits Ahead of NFL Draft

Look: Logan Wilson Announces Second Annual Celebrity Softball Game

Cincinnati Bengals Lineman Gets Nice Bonus Thanks to NFL's Performance-Based Pay Program

Look: Odds Released For Which Position Bengals Will Select in First Round of 2024 NFL Draft

Cincinnati Bengals Make Trade in Mock Draft 1.0, Boost Trenches and Talent Around Joe Burrow

Look: Complete List of All 10 Cincinnati Bengals Picks in 2024 NFL Draft

Bengals Select Edge Rusher Over Other Popular Names in Latest Major Mock Draft

Watch: Marlon Humphrey Not Happy About Losing Geno Stone to the Bengals

Watch: Orlando Brown Jr. Has Fun With Fans Ahead of Reds Opening Day

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!

Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel

Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok


Published
Russ Heltman

RUSS HELTMAN

Russ Heltman is a contributor for AllBearcats and AllBengals. He is the morning host and producer for 89.3 WMKV in Cincinnati, OH.  Russ can be found on Twitter: @RussHeltman11 or you can reach him by email at Heltmandm@yahoo.com.